After a loss in the FA Cup, Hinckley hosted long-standing rivals Huncote Sport and Social and slipped to another narrow defeat, going down 2-1.

Huncote got an early opener and the goal was what Hinckley needed to wake them, and quick passing down the left allowed Lottie Higgins to lay the ball off for Rachel Field, who unleashed a screamer into the top right corner.

Huncote responded and boxed the home side into defence, and a corner found the head of an unmarked player to put them back in front.

As the game restarted Hinckley looked the stronger of the sides for the first time, an early shot from Hayley Wright testing the keeper.

The home side began to play their assing football and dominated in the middle, a quick pass from Amy Dennis to Wright allowed a knock on to Katy Farmer but the shot flew wide.

Fresh legs were brought as Mairead O’Hara replaced Dennis on the right. O’Hara made an instant impression, linking up with Lucy Allsop in centre midfield. Allsop’s run created space for a ball through to Farmer, but an advancing keeper prevented a shot.

Huncote’s only real chance of the second half came from a corner, the clearance falling to the edge of the box. A strong strike called for a diving save from Becks Leatherbarrow in the home goal.

Hinckley continued to push for the equaliser, O’Hara linking with Farmer, Lottie Higgins headed the cross but the shot was blocked by the keeper.

With Huncote now having to soak up the pressure, Hinckley made another change replacing Wright for Laura Perridge and Field for Tess London. A pacy run down the left from Fay Longdon produced a cross to London who was harshly ruled offside.

Hinckley continued to pressure the away goal, O’Hara picking the ball up on the edge of the box and turned her player. But, with the defender beaten, she took an elbow to the head. No free-kick was given.